About

$62,778

pledged of $5,000 goal

1,886

backers

>>>STRETCH GOAL UPDATE<<<

WE HIT THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stretch goals are here! Scroll down below for full details!

In 2011 I released my debut original music album, Impostor Nostalgia. I've been remixing video game music for years now, and I somehow managed to break into the Game Music Industry working on Mass Effect 2 as my first title. So once I became "on the radar" for writing orchestra space-opera music, I think I surprised a few people when my first original album was chiptune music inspired by classic Gameboy and NES games. But it happened and it was awesome. The album did super well and it made me a TON of amazing new friends. And while I do love modern electronic music, modern rock, and modern pop, there's something magical about hearing those 8-bit sounds I grew up with from the 80's. And I know I'm not the only person who feels that way!

The Glory Days, as the name suggests is a 2-way perspective of game music and life. Naturally, the first part is reflecting back on those days where my daily worries consisted of getting past the boss on level 4 or collecting enough coins or beating the game with a record number of extra lives. And as I relive those Glory Days, I remember that back then I used to sit and fantasize about what life would be like in 10 or 20 years. I'd think of all the amazing things games and music would one day offer. I used to fantasize about how awesome Super Mario Kart would be if only it had hills instead of a flat track, or what kind of amazing sounds would exist as technology improved. And that made me realize, the Glory Days weren't just yesterday, they're all the time--we're in them now! We were in them yesterday! We were in them 20 years ago! And THAT is what this album is about.

The Glory Days is the sounds of our gaming youth combined with the technology and techniques that didn't exist back then. So carrying the torch of its predecessor, it's a bridge between two eras of amazing music.

Big Giant Circles is the name I've produced music under (debuting on OverClocked ReMix in 2003). I'm a video game music composer and remixer. I was lucky enough to become a part of composer Jack Wall's team to help compose the score to Mass Effect 2.

The Normandy Reborn cinematic cutscene music is probably the thing I'm best known for in that game.

Down the road I later returned to assist Jack with the score for Call of Duty Black Ops 2. If you've played the game, chances are you've heard my track "Adrenaline" while sitting in the Multiplayer Menu (According to iTunes it's the most popular song on the soundtrack, so that's pretty rad!)

You can see more of my game credits here and listen to some of my video game remixes here.

You can also check out my other albums on my bandcamp page below (or iTunes and Amazon if you prefer).

I like to think I do great work on my own, but to me there's also no denying that one of the reasons Impostor Nostalgia did so well was the sheer amount of raw talent I was able to bring aboard. There were 11 collaborators/remixers in total. I reached out to people who I felt were some of the best indie video game/chiptune musicians in the world, and the results were RAD. I want to be able to do that again. But talent deserves compensation. I'm asking for a low figure that if reached will only cover the money I've spent on the fantastic existing artwork, and the physical productions of the discs themselves. That said, I want this album to be truly special, to have tangible worth--actual hands-on value. And sadly, that's not a cheap endeavor, especially for us indie guys. And in order to bring another cadre of raw talent, I need to make sure the project will be worth everyone's while. More on this below under the Stretch Goals below.

At any rate, I think Impostor Nostalgia set a pretty high standard. And I want to not only meet that bar, but surpass it in every way. I've already completed 20 full tracks. Impostor Nostalgia had 17 full tracks, 4 of which are remixes and then 3 bonus tracks (which were essentially unfinished WIPs that I included as, well, a bonus). So I can effectively say I think I've already outdone myself as far as the track list itself goes. Also worth mentioning, Impostor Nostalgia had some great cover artwork by Blake "Protodome" Troise, but I really only hired him to design some cover art and that's it. This time around, I have lots and lots of artwork. A full color, several-page booklet will be included for physical CD's. How many pages? Well, it's hard to say, especially considering that one of my reward tiers means including pictures of those backers as part of the art (which I'm REALLY excited about!). There could potentially be a lot! :)

In essence, I want to push this album forward beyond a typical indie release. I want to push video game style music and chiptunes out of the niche corner and more into the spotlight! I want people to get excited about hearing chiptune music, whether authentic, fakebit, 8-bit, 9-bit, whatever the name be, I want people to hear it and love it as much as I do! It feels so good to see groups like Anamanaguchi and I Fight Dragons succeed in bringing the style to new fans and even tapping into mainstream outlets!

Part of an effective media experience is visual work, and while this is ultimately still an audio experience only, if resources permit I'd really like to pursue being able to produce more audiovisual content. Art, videos, flashing pictures, lights, laser beams, reflections. It all goes hand and hand with the spirit of video games, and it excites me and energizes me to want to make more. And lets not forget the #SWAG. I've never really made BGC-branded SWAG before. But rest assured, now that I'm taking on the task of supplying it, I'm gonna make sure it's awesome.

Of course, the most fundamental answer to "Why are you kickstarting this album again?" is simply, I've put everything I have into it for the past couple years, I've done it alone, and I've done it on my own dime. As with most other kickstarters, I'm reaching out to you to assist in the cost of producing the physical CDs and enhancing the overall experience beyond just the audio. Again, the main album is DONE. 100% Audio Completion Run Achievement Get! But with your help I could turn it into something REALLY fun. :)

Things like:

High-quality CD replication

Beautiful full color full CD liner booklet

Incredibly stylish color posters

Stickers, buttons, and other SWAG

T-shirt printing

Shipping & handling (a lot)

Music Distribution (on sites like Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, etc)

Money I Don't Keep (Kickstarter/Amazon fees/taxes)

Beautiful Professional Artwork

Licensing (if necessary)

Supplies for reward fulfillment

Additional musicians for Expanded Album

Bonus SWAG (if stretch goals met)

Other stretch goals. See below.

Studio stuff (gear/software/plugins)

The overall advancement of quality chipmusic in the world :)

The usual stuff, mostly, why don't you check out the stretch goals below?

>>>UPDATED 10/1/13<<<

The album is funded, physical CDs will be produced!

Bonus footage/extended "testimonials" from the Kickstarter video :)

Loopable versions of some of the tracks! (The ones that support it that anyway)

The Extended Album Begins! A digital bonus EP with remixes contributed by 2 of the remixers listed below!

2 more remixers added to the Extended Album! (4 total)

2 more remixers added to the Extended Album! (6 total)

2 more remixers added to the Extended Album! (8 total)

2 more remixers added to the Extended Album! (10 total)

All remixers will appear on the Extended Album! It's basically a 2nd Full Album release!

In regards to this stretch goal, I originally posted a list of names here in this section. I hinted that I'd contacted many of them and that several were actually confirmed as on board. I've since re-confirmed/finalized the official list of artists who I have hand-picked to construct the Expanded Album. I think you'll recognize the people below as some of the best names in the chiptune/indie game music industry. I'm honored by their willingness to participate and I'm excited to see what they bring to this project!

Since I've already sunk quite a lot of money into the artwork (and will probably be spending more the way this train keeps moving, I would really love the opportunity to showcase it all in a limited edition, collectible book. This goal will enable me to pay for more artists and more artwork to make this a reality! Furthermore, everyone at the $100 level will receive bonus mini prints of additional artwork to go with their poster! (updated poster designs shown below, under artwork).

I've always wanted to do one, a proper one, not a bunch of still images or looped backgrounds and stock footage trying to pass itself off as a music video. I think groups like Anamanaguchi have really done great at capturing the visual essence of the Chiptune Experience, and with the extra funding I could make this happen. There's something special when you attach the right footage to the right music. It's why movies are so popular and produce so many powerful experiences that we remember throughout our lives. It's definitely not cheap though, at least, not when it's done right. :)

Speaking of things that are not cheap when they're done right. I've already got someone in mind for the mastering. He's got a huge list of AAA-level credentials and could really give the album some true polish to really push it out into the world with the proper sheen!

With an album cover like mine, shouldn't an Actual vinyl release be in order? I think so. But as much as I'd like to, vinyls are incredibly expensive to manufacture and especially to ship. But if we hit $50k, I'll make it happen! Alternatively, if big and bulky isn't your thing, I'll be creating some custom-branded Big Giant Circles thumb drives to send out to all backers who buy the physical album so they can carry it on their keychains! As an added bonus, if this project hits $48000, it will join the ranks of fellow chiptune musicians Anamanaguchi and I Fight Dragons on the highly coveted 100 MOST FUNDED KICKSTARTER MUSIC PROJECTS! One step closer to Chiptune Internet Takeover!! :)

The artwork is in good hands. As you can see by the header image up top, Ian Wilding has nailed the visual concept of the music. If you're curious, I hired Ian after seeing the following image randomly on the internet, and tracing it back to his tumblr page.

If that's not awesome enough, check Ian's other Works-in-Progress for this album below. Worth noting, these designs look AMAZING on shirts, buttons, and posters, for obvious reasons.

I've also got veteran BGC album artists Jessie "axl99" Lam and Blake "Protodome" Troise cooking up some stuff for me. Jessie is a concept art wizard and Blake's pixel art is sublime.

And then there's that "Your face in the album art" perk, remember? (Hint, it's to the right if you haven't read it yet). Check below in the Rewards section for some examples of how that's gonna turn out:

I've got other artists on board and standing-by, and I'll include them as this campaign picks up momentum, but suffice it to say, the art is in good hands.

First off, the custom art reward of YOU!

PART OF THE ALBUM reward tier: you will receive an avatar created custom for you by Paul Hubans. I will assemble all of these into a montage and print it inside the album art along with your name and special thanks. Here's the general ballpark of the outcome:

The rest of this stuff is not 100% finalized yet, but Ian's working hard on them, and I'll update this stuff as we do get closer to the finish line. But for now, here's what we're looking at:

The Glory Days Wallpaper:

Posters (updated):

Shirts (not final):

Buttons (not final):

Once more, these designs are not finalized. Actual rewards may differ slightly form what you see above. These images are just to give you a general idea of what kind of awesome stuff you can expect. :)

Big Giant Circles is not liable for any injuries that occur during this kickstarter. If you find yourself affected by any such injury, please seek immediate medical attention.

As of right now, I don't have an exact date set, but the main thing is printing the physical CDs. I could release the album digitally tomorrow if I wanted to (since the music for the main album itself is already done). I'll know better once I get the ball rolling on the physical CD order, and that's sort of pending how well this campaign does because if you haven't been paying attention, this album might not be a single disc release :)

My release-or-bust date for the main part of the album is December 2013. But once I can gauge how likely the extended release will be and begin managing that, I can set a more specific time frame. And if necessary, I can consider a multi-stage release, so I can at least get the "as is" album in your hands/ears ASAP. Trust me, I'm as eager to give you the music as you might be to get it. :)

That's all I got for you for now! But please remember:

Whether you back the project or simply pass it along to a friend, thank you!

Special Thanks:

The following people are amazing and I am deeply grateful for their kindness. Follow them!

Risks and challenges

For one final reiteration, the album is in a release-ready state now (at least digitally). So you don't have to worry about me taking years to finish an album that might not even happen at all. That said, being my first kickstarter campaign, I'm sure there's a number of things that presumably might not go quite as planned. Shipping and fulfillment is pretty much always a reliable nightmare of sorts. Delays can happen, and pinpointing the source of the delay can turn into a run around of passing the blame and people declining accountability.

That said, that stuff is small potatoes. I've got a lot of good people ready to assist, many whom I've already consulted with (*cough* zircon *cough*) and all this stuff is ultimately not much of an issue. So really, the only things I have to worry about are forces of nature and catastrophes. And let's hope none of those lie in my or your futures :)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

Achievement Get! Digital is not enough, you have to hold it in your hands! For you, a limited-edition physical copy of The Glory Days featuring beautiful artwork by Ian Wilding, Jessie Lam, Blake Troise, and more! Includes previous reward tiers.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 20 or more
About US$ 20

The EXTENDED DIGITAL ONLY REWARD TIER! A new challenger arises! Because the full expanded album stretch goal was met, I'll be releasing a second FULL ALBUM of remixes that will include an additional 14-17 EXTRA TRACKS by some of the most talented indie musicians in the game industry! You will receive a digital copy of The Glory Days + the remix album + the ERT2 soundtrack. You will ALSO receive a bonus copy of the Super Meat Boy soundtrack and 7 Years of Server Data by two of the remixers who will be on the expanded album, Danny Baranowsky and C418!! So for $20, you will receive digital copies of FIVE albums. Seriously, just sit there for a second and think about how much music you're getting. :)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 30 or more
About US$ 30

For the dedicated fans who want to further fuel my impostor syndrome AND show additional support, you'll get a SIGNED copy of The Glory Days physical album, 5 collectible stickers based on the album artwork, + the advance digital copy + ERT2 soundtrack. You'll also received printed "thanks" credit in the album liner.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 40 or more
About US$ 40

A super rad poster to decorate your space (~11x17) designed by Ian Wilding, 5 handmade collectible buttons (featuring album artwork by Ian Wilding) + a signed physical copy of TGD + ERT2 soundtrack + stickers. And of course thanks in the album liner.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

CHIPTUNE ENTHUSIAST - You'll get a digital download code for EVERY chiptune album I've done up to this point. (TGD, Impostor Nostalgia, Pocket Mine, Extreme Road Trip 2, Big Giant Christmas, The Haunting of Magnolia Manor). That's over 60 tracks (nearly 4 hours) of video game style chiptune music! You'll also get a physical copy of Impostor Nostalgia to go with your signed copy of The Glory Days, plus 5 collectible stickers and buttons each, as well as a signed poster, and of course, printed thanks in the album.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 75 or more
About US$ 75

Chiptunes not enough for you eh? Ok, you'll get everything above PLUS download codes for the entire collection of currently released Big Giant Circles music, including Legacy (my unused tracks from Mass Effect 2), Contingency, Puzzlejuice, and more! You'll also get two handmade magnets featuring some album artwork to adorn your metallic food-cooling device (or some similarly metallic appliance/gadget/thing). You'll also receive a single "remix pack" of one of the songs from the album--basically a bunch of stems of the song for you to tinker with/remix on your own (certain terms may apply)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

The PART OF THE ALBUM tier! It's common for backers to get "special thanks" credit on projects. What's NOT common is this: Send me a mugshot of your lovely face. I will have it turned into a custom pixellated avatar by one of my artists and print your name AND your custom face in the album. You will officially be PART OF THE ALBUM ART. I personally don't know of any other rewards like this, so I'm VERY EXCITED to offer it :) Additionally you'll receive all rewards listed above this tier.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 100 or more
About US$ 100

"I'd rather have a T-shirt" Same as above, but instead of letting me put your pixellated alter ego in my album you just want a BGC t-shirt instead. I personally think the custom pixel face is way cooler, but I guarantee that the shirt will look amazing with one of Ian Wilding's designs on it :)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

"But I want to be in your album AND I want a shirt!" You got it! You'll also get a second physical copy of TGD to give to a friend or use as a coaster! Plus, you'll get ALL collectible buttons and stickers (11 each) as well as a glass magnet of your custom pixel face! All other rewards included.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 250 or more
About US$ 250

Everything above, plus I will give you a personal 2 hour Skype session to talk about anything you like! Music production questions? Behind the scenes album stuff? Problems with that special someone in your life? I'm here to chat/listen! You'll also receive download codes for any music I release for the next 5 years!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 250 or more
About US$ 250

If you have A.D.D. like me, just merely sitting and talking can sometimes be boring! Instead of skyping with you about things, I'll invite you to play a couple rounds of Left 4 Dead with me and my fellow music buddies, like C418, dannyB, Coestar, artist Paul Hubans, and more. Be warned, this tier is not for the faint of heart :) If you're not into L4D then I'll let you pick any other game of your choosing (assuming I have it). You'll also receive all rewards from the $150 tier and higher.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

LEGENDARY SUPPORTER! You'll get extra special credit as such in my album (to go with your beautiful pixellated face) plus I will remix any song from any video game of your choosing. You pick it, I'll do it to the best of my ability! You also get all previous rewards above. Remix delivery depends on my schedule, but I promise a reasonable turn around once the album is released. ADDITIONALLY (and since there was never a physical copy of the soundtrack created) I will send you a signed physical copy of Mass Effect 2 instead.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

BIG GIANT CHIPTUNE ACADEMY - You will receive not only a copy of FL Studio (the software I produced TGD with) generously provided by Image Line Software and I will personally teach you how I use it. I will invite you into my studio for a day (travel costs not included), or if preferable by you, I will meet with you during any convention we may both be attending (GDC/PAX/MAGFest are good examples) or if that still doesn't work, then we can Screenshare on Skype. I'll personally walk you through my TGD project files and dissect them for your enlightenment. You'll also receive all rewards from the $150 tier and above. I'll also hook you up with remix packs of three of the songs from TGD! (certain terms may apply).

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

CO-PRODUCER! You'll be credited in my album as co-producer, along with a second custom avatar to accompany your magnificent generosity. You'll receive all aforementioned SWAG and perks + one of ONLY 7 copies of Impostor Nostalgia that bear multiple signatures of several of my guests on Impostor Nostalgia as well as a physical copy of the Puzzlejuice soundtrack. I will also let you choose the name of a track on a future original album! (As long as it's not vulgar/offensive) You are also invited for some one-on-one hang time with me at any convention/concert/festival that we might happen to attend, OR if you feel like traveling to sunny Dallas, TX, you're welcome to join me in my studio for a day in the life of BGC!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 2,500 or more
About US$ 2,500

EXECUTIVE CO-PRODUCER credit. When Co-producer just isn't enough! You have my utmost thanks, ALL the swag, 5 signed copies of TGD, plus I'll print a special custom album of my previously unreleased music JUST FOR YOU. Music that literally does not exist on the internet! I'll also send you a signed copy of Mass Effect 2, Black Ops 2, and the There Came an Echo OST (when it's released). Furthermore, I will write you your own personal theme song, and name it after you, as well as write remix two other songs from any game of your choosing! Two remixes and one original song for you, It's a mini EP of your very own! Immortality is yours by right! You are also welcome to visit my studio where I will give you behind the scenes looks at some of my work from Mass Effect 2 and Black Ops 2 (you are responsible for travel costs). A rare opportunity for true video game music fans!

You are truly a warrior born of pixels and champions gilded with nostalgic might and a pure heart. You have slain the final boss and proclaimed the validity of chiptune music from the highest peaks and you will forever have my gratitude. You are also welcome to travel to my studio and enjoy an epic pizza party at my home! Because pizza is the most delicious food in the history of EVER.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

I will fly you to my studio OR I will fly to YOUR HOUSE so I can personally hand you your rewards (which include all "deliverables" above), and openly gape at your generosity (terms will apply). I will also give you my personal Mass Effect SWAG given to me directly by BioWare for my work on their game (includes a N7 Jacket, full hoodie, hat, and hardcover art book). I will also give you the original MASTER DISC of Impostor Nostalgia. There is literally only one in existence. You are a force to be reckoned with and you fight for the cause of video game music with the gleaming Diamond Sword of Awesome. I will also give you a special copy of Mass Effect 2 signed by all 4 composers for the game (Jack Wall, Sam Hulick, David Kates, and myself). Additionally, you will receive every other reward.